Combined SAR/DAR Christmas Dinner Meeting
December 9th, 2010, Gainesville, Hall County, Georgia.  

There was an exceptionally large turn out of DAR, SAR and spouses for the meeting.  The Chapter Color Guard with Piedmont Chapter Compatriot George Thurmond presented and retired the Colors.  First order of business was the induction of new Compatriot Marvin Locey.  Then, Compatriot Locey, US Navy - World War II, and Compatriot Charles Lindsey, US Army - World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, were presented with War Service Medals.  Compatriot Bruce Collins - US Air Force, and Compatriot Tom Senf - US Army, were presented Military Service Medals. 

Compatriot Larry Guzy, Captain John Collins Chapter, presented an excellent program on "The Battle of the Virginia Capes".

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Remembering the The Battle at Van(n)'s Creek
December 4th, 2010, Richard B. Russell State Park, Elbert County, Georgia.

Vann's Creek was a small battle during the American Revolution in the South which occurred February 11th, 1779, just 3 days before the Patriot's Victory at Kettle Creek. Some of the same commanders and troops at Vann's Creek also fought at the battle of Kettle Creek.  Colonel Boyd had been commissioned by Sir Henry Clinton to raise a band of Loyalists to march to the royal standard in Georgia. Starting out in North Carolina, he was joined by other Tory forces along the march so that his company numbered about 600 men. He initially tried to cross the Savannah River at McGowan’s blockhouse, but was repulsed by a small militia force using swivel guns.  Boyd then moved upriver to Vann’s Creek where he was engaged by Patriot forces under the command of captains Robert Andersen, William Baskin, John Miller and Joseph Pickens. The Patriots numbered only 100 men against Boyd’s 600, and while Andersen’s men fought a determined and heated battle, the Loyalists were soon in a position to flank Andersen’s force, so he ordered a general retreat. Boyd lost about 100 men, some of them desertions of militiamen who returned to their homes in South Carolina. Although they ostensibly lost the battle, the Patriots weakened Boyd's force sufficiently enough to cause him a later loss at Kettle Creek. Vann's Creek Flyer.

Lyman Hall Compatriots Ed Rigel, Sr. and Ed Rigel, Jr. participated with the Color Guard.  Rigel, Jr. presented a wreath on behalf of Lyman Hall Chapter. 

This site is on Georgia's Revolutionary War Trail!  

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232nd Anniversary Celebration of the British Demand to Surrender Fort Morris
November 20th, 2010, Fort Morris State Historic Site, Midway, Liberty County, Georgia.

The need to defend the Medway River and Sunbury, Georgia, rose  at the outset of the American Revolution and the Continental Congress authorized the construction of two forts in Georgia. One was to be built at Savannah and the other at Sunbury.  Fort Morris was built to the southeast of Sunbury and would be used first as a base for several campaigns to take Florida and then as a defensive position in defending Sunbury and points upriver.  A small contingent of British soldiers attempted to take the fort on November 25, 1778.  The 200 Americans at Fort Morris were led by Colonel John McIntosh. McIntosh defiantly shouted, "Come and take it!" after the British demanded the surrender of the fort. The British declined to attack and pulled back only to return in January with a larger force and easily took to fort. Fort Morris Flyer.

Lyman Hall Compatriot Ed Rigel, Sr. participated with the Color Guard and presented a wreath on behalf of Lyman Hall Chapter. 

This site is on Georgia's Revolutionary War Trail!  

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Patriot James Wooten Alexander Grave Marking
November 13th, 2010, Alexander Family Cemetery, Blakely, Early County, Georgia.

Patriot Alexander participated in the Revolution on the western frontier of Georgia where he fought Loyalists and their Indian allies.  At one point he was captured, tortured and used as a human shield to prevent a Patriot attack on a Loyalist fort.

Joel Early Chapter hosted a delightful weekend beginning with delicious dinner at a most unlikely location, a most excellent Grave Marking Ceremony and concluding with with a delicious barbeque lunch prepared by Chapter families.

Lyman Hall Compatriot Ed Rigel, Sr. participated with the Color Guard, was honored to be asked to carry the National Colors, and presented a wreath on behalf of Lyman Hall Chapter. 

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Veteran's Day
November 11th, 2010, Perimeter Christian School, John's Creek, Fulton County, Georgia.

Lyman Hall Compatriots Ed Rigel, Sr. and Ed Rigel, Jr. attended an awesome Veteran's Day Ceremony at Perimeter Christian School in north Fulton County.  The ceremony included songs by the students, presentations by the winners of the school's poster, poem, and essay contests, slide shows of family Veteran's and a key not talk by a survivor of the USS Indianapolis that was sunk during World War II.

The Rigels joined members of the Piedmont Chapter in the History Fair that followed and talked to the students about the Revolutionary War and Colonial History.

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October Lyman Hall Chapter Meeting
October 28th, 2010, Gainesville, Hall County, Georgia. 

There was a large turn out for the meeting that included the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Chartering of Lyman Hall Chapter.  First order of business was the induction of new member Ronnie Huff, Jr.  Lyman Hall Compatriot Ed Rigel, Sr. presented the program, "Georgia's Reluctant Rebels".

Four of the Charter Members were able to attend the meeting.  Former Chapter President and present Chapter Historian reviewed the events that led to the chartering of the Chapter.  Former Chapter President David Hoss, coming from Arkansas to attend the Anniversary Celebration, gave his recollections of the establishment of the Chapter.  Charter Member Jim Butterworth pulled out his twenty-five year old notes and recounted how his DAR member mother, with an SAR husband and two SAR sons, was instrumental in the development of the Chapter.  Charter Member Ted Robinson recalled his memories of the chartering and the events since.

Chapter President John Beale had arranged for an Anniversary Cake to celebrate the occasion.

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Patriot Seth Pierce Grave Marking
October 23rd, 2010, Pierce Family Cemetery, Louisville, Jefferson County, Georgia.

Little is known of Patriot Pierce's involvement in the Revolution.  A Revolutionary War pay voucher, dated March 23, 1782, from the North Carolina State Archives certified that Patriot Pierce received pay from the Newborn District for his service.

Lyman Hall Compatriot Ed Rigel, Sr. participated with the Color Guard and presented a wreath on behalf of Lyman Hall Chapter. 

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Commemoration of the Siege of Savannah
October 9th, 2010, Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia.

The Siege of Savannah or the Second Battle of Savannah was an encounter of the American Revolutionary War in 1779. The year before, the city of Savannah, Georgia, had been captured by a British expeditionary corps under Lieutenant-Colonel Archibald Campbell. The siege itself consisted of a joint Franco-American attempt to retake Savannah from September 16 to October 18, 1779. On October 9 a major assault against the British siege works failed. During the attack, Polish nobleman Kazimierz Pułaski, fighting on the American side, was mortally wounded. With the failure of the joint American-French attack, the siege failed, and the British remained in control of Savannah until July 1782, near the end of the war.  

A march to the battle field began early in the morning in dense foggy conditions similar to what the Patriot forces experienced in 1779.  Lyman Hall Compatriot Ed Rigel, Sr. participated with the Color Guard and presented a wreath on behalf of Lyman Hall Chapter. Savannah Flyer.

Click to Watch the Savannah television stations' coverage of the event.

This site is on Georgia's Revolutionary War Trail!  

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230th Anniversary of the Battle of Kings Mountain
October 7th, 2010, Kings Mountain National Military Park, Blacksburg, South Carolina.

The Battle of Kings Mountain, was a pivotal and significant victory by American Patriots over American Loyalists during the Southern Campaign of the Revolutionary War. The battle fought on October 7, 1780, destroyed the left wing of Lord Cornwallis' army and effectively ended Loyalist ascendance in the Carolinas. The victory halted the British advance into North Carolina, forced Lord Cornwallis to retreat from Charlotte into South Carolina, and gave General Nathanael Greene the opportunity to reorganize the American Army.

Lyman Hall Compatriot Ed Rigel, Sr. participated with the Color Guard and presented a wreath on behalf of Lyman Hall Chapter.

Read more about the Battle of Kings Mountain.

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NSSAR Fall Leadership/Trustee Meeting
September 24-26, 2010, Louisville, Kentucky.

Lyman Hall Compatriot Ed Rigel, Sr. attended the meeting the highlight of which included the dedication of the new NSSAR Library 

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Patriot Col. James H. Little Grave Marking
September 11th, 2010, Tabor-Little Farm, Franklin County, Georgia.

Col. Little may have commanded a North Carolina regiment during the Revolution.  He eventually fought for the Georgia Militia.  On February 11, 1779, he led a small force of militia manning McGowan's Blockhouse and opposed Loyalist Col. J. Boyd's crossing of the Savannah River  at Cherokee Ford.  Boyd was forced to move up the river to cross at Vann's Creek where he was again opposed by Little and other militia.  Heavily outnumbered the militia was forced to withdraw.  Three days later that same group of militia joined the forces of Colonels Pickens, Clarke, and Dooly and defeated Boyd at the Battle of Kettle Creek.

Lyman Hall Compatriots Roscoe McMillan, Ed Rigel, Sr. and Ed Rigel, Jr. participated with the GASSAR Color Guard.  Rigel, Sr. assisted with the Musket Salute, and presented a wreath on behalf of Lyman Hall Chapter. 

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August Lyman Hall Chapter Meeting 
August 26th, 2010, Gainesville, Hall County, Georgia.

The March Lyman Hall Chapter meeting was well attended.  The Chapter Color Guard presented and retired the colors.  Georgia State Representative Compatriot Tommy Benton was presented a Certificate of Appreciation for his work in the State House to obtain a Proclamation declaring April 19th, 2010 Patriot Day in Georgia.  Piedmont Chapter Compatriot George Thurmond presented the program, "South Carolina Heroes of the Revolution".

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230th Anniversary of the Patriot Victory at Musgrove Mill
August 14th, 2010, Clinton, South Carolina.

On August 19th, 1780, a group of 200 Patriot militiamen rode to strike what they thought was an equal number of Loyalists at Musgrove Mill on the Enoree River. Instead, they found themselves badly outnumbered, the Tories having been joined by 300 provincial regulars from the British post at Ninety Six. Retreat was impossible, a frontal assault suicidal. So the Patriot forces took a strong defensive position and lured the Loyalists into a fierce fight that turned into a near rout after the British attack collapsed.

Lyman Hall Compatriots Roscoe McMillan and Ed Rigel, Sr. participated with the combined Color Guards.  Rigel, Sr. presented a wreath on behalf of Lyman Hall Chapter.

Read more about the Battle of Musgrove Mill.

NSSAR at the Boy Scout National Jamboree
From Monday, July 26th through Tuesday, August 3rd, Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia.

In the year of the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the Boy Scouts of America, Fort A.P. Hill hosted the Boy Scouts of America’s National Jamboree.  35,000 scouts, 6,000 scout leaders, and 7,000 staff came from around the world to participate in the BSA’s 100th Anniversary Celebration. The staff included ten SAR members from around the country who served as delegates to the NSSAR’s first experience as a Chartered Organization Exhibitor, part of the “Partnership for Good Citizenship” between the BSA and SAR.  The SAR’s “Full Time” staff, included Ed Rigel, Sr., Lyman Hall Chapter, GASSAR.   “Day” staff included  Jim Parker, Lyman Hall Chapter, GASSAR. 

The primary purpose of the SAR’s booth was to promote the Arthur M. & Berdena King Eagle Scout Scholarship program. An estimated 4,500 Scouts, Scout Leaders, and Scout parents stopped at the booth where staffers provided information about the Scholarship and passed out promotional brochures. The availability of an unrestricted scholarship of up to $8,000 to any Eagle prior to his 19th birthday was a real eye-opener for many Scouts on the trail to Eagle and especially to their parents. Additionally, Scouts who provided their contact information received a unique SAR Jamboree patch restricted to Scouts. The contact information will be passed on to the appropriate Chapter or State Eagle Scout Chairs for further promotion of the Scholarship.  Secondarily, the booth served as an information source about the SAR. A surprising number of people had not heard of the SAR and staffers were able to educate them on not only what the SAR is, but also on what the SAR does including its other programs for youth. 

Tragically, Compatriot Art Batten, VASSAR, Chair of the National Eagle Scout Committee at that time, passed away suddenly a few days after the Jamboree.  Jamboree contingent leader T. Rex Legler, II, INSSAR was appointed to fill the Chairman vacancy and Ed Rigel, Sr. named as committee Vice-Chair.

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Battle of Ramsour's Mill Memorial Service
June 19th, 2010, Lincolnton, North Carolina.

The Battle of Ramsour's Mill took place on June 20, 1780 near present-day Lincolnton, North Carolina, during the British campaign to gain control of the southern colonies in the American Revolutionary War. About 400 American militia defeated 1,300 Loyalist militiamen. The battle did not involve any regular army forces from either side, and was literally fought between neighbors. Despite being outnumbered, the Patriot militia defeated the Loyalists. The battle was significant in that it lowered the morale of Loyalists in the south, weakening their support of the British.

Read more about the Battle of Ramsour's Mill.

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Scout Day, Marietta National Military Cemetery
May 29th, 2010, Marietta, Cobb County, Georgia.

Marietta National Military Cemetery was established during the War Between the States.  It contains the graves of about 18,000 US soldiers.  One Revolutionary War Patriot, John Clark is buried there.  John was the son of Patriot and Hero of the Hornet's Nest, Elijah Clarke.  John also served two terms as Georgia Governor.

Each year, on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Girl Scouts assemble to honor the soldiers buried in the cemetery.  This year over 1600 Scouts and adults were in attendance.  After a brief ceremony, the Scouts scatter throughout the cemetery and place over 18,000 US Flags at the grave markers.  The GASSAR Color Guard presented and retired the Colors for the ceremony.  Lyman Hall Compatriot Ed Rigel, Sr. participated with the Color Guard and the Musket Salute. 

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May Lyman Hall Chapter Meeting 
May 27th, 2010, Gainesville, Hall County, Georgia.  

The March Lyman Hall Chapter meeting was well attended.  The Chapter Color Guard presented and retired the colors.  Former Gainesville Police Chief, Frank Hooper, was presented the Law Enforcement Commendation Medal.  Eagle Scout Jason Wynne was present with his family and was presented the Chapter's Eagle Scout Scholarship.  The Chapter was presented the GASSAR awards presented at the Annual Meeting, Distinguished Chapter Award and two stars for the Grave Marking streamer for the Grave Markings performed in 2009.  Vince Evans,  Superintendent of Alta Vista Cemetery presented the program - a talk on some of the many famous , and infamous, people buried in the cemetery. 

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Grave Dedication for Lillian Martin 
May 27th, 2010, Alta Vista Cemetery, Gainesville, Hall County, Georgia.

The Colonel William Candler Chapter NSDAR.  Lillian, wife of Lyman Hall Compatriot Hall Martin, Sr. had been a vibrant member of the Chapter.  She was also a staunch supporter of the activities of Lyman Hall Chapter and was presented the Martha Washington Medal posthumously by that Chapter.

Ed Rigel, Sr., Ed Rigel, Jr., and Roscoe McMillan, members of the Lyman Hall Chapter Color Guard presented and retired the Colors for the Ceremony. 

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Grave Marking for Patriot Oliver Crawford
May 2nd, 2010, Elbert County, Georgia.

Oliver Crawford was born ca. 1755 in Culpepper County, Virginia.  He was drafted in Culpepper County and served as a Private.  He moved to Elbert County with his wife Lucy Alexander Crawford in about 1791 and died shortly thereafter, about 1792.  He was buried on his farm in Elbert County where the Grave Marking was held.  Lyman Hall Compatriot Ed Rigel, Sr. served with the GASSAR Color Guard and took part in the Musket Salute. 

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Kentucky Derby Week Activities/Pegasus Parade
April 28-29th, 2010, Louisville, Kentucky.

NSSAR Compatriots from around the country gathered in Louisville to form a Combined Color Guard to march in the Kentucky Derby Pegasus Parade.

Louisville resident, NSSAR Secretary General David Sympson and his wife hosted a reception at his house prior to the group departing for the Louisville Boat Club for a barbecue buffet.  From the Boat Club, the group was able to observe the Paddle Boat race between the Belle of Louisville and the Belle of Cincinnati.  The Cincinnati, being diesel powered, was handicapped significantly by having to travel much further down the race track before turning around.  She still managed to easily defeat the steam powered Louisville.

The next day, Secretary General Sympson, riding in a vintage red Cadillac (that John Wayne once let the parade in), led the Color Guard contingent on trip 1.7 mile trip down Broadway in front of an appreciative crowd of 250,000.  The Color Guard, all in Revolutionary War era uniform, consisted of a Fife and Drum Corps, flag bearers, and Continental soldiers and militia bearing arms.  The GASSAR was represented by President Mike Tomme, Historian Bruce Maney, and NE Regional VP (and Lyman Hall VP) Ed Rigel, Sr.

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Gainesville/Hall County Patriots Day Celebration
April 19th, 2010, Gainesville, Hall County, Georgia.

The battles of Lexington and Concord, fought on April 19, 1775, were the first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War. Patriots Day is observed on April 19th and commemorates the anniversary of those battles and honors the memory of those and the other Patriots who fought in the Revolutionary War.

About 50 people attended a ceremony sponsored by the Lyman Hall Chapter SAR and the Col. Wm. Candler Chapter NSDAR held at the Northeast Georgia History Center at Brenau University.  The Hall County Sheriff's Honor Guard presented the Colors and the Brenau University Vocal Chamber Ensemble sang the National Anthem.  City of Gainesville Mayor Ruth Bruner and Hall County Commission Chair Tom Oliver presented a joint proclamation proclaiming April 19th Patriots Day in Gainesville and Hall County.  Lyman Hall Chapter VP Ed Rigel, Sr. presented the biography of Dr. Lyman Hall, namesake of Hall County, and Dr. Hall (Compatriot Terry Manning, Immediate Past President GASSAR) read a portion of the Declaration of Independence.  Lynda Holmes of the Col. Wm. Candler Chapter read her original poem entitled "Patriot World".  The 42 Revolutionary War Patriots buried in Hall County were remembered.  The History Center sponsored a reception after the ceremony. 

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Frederica Patriots Day Celebration
April 16th-18th, 2010, Saint Simons Island, Glynn County, Georgia.

On April 19th, 1778, three Georgia Navy galleys commanded by Col. Samuel Elbert encountered three British ships in the Frederica River near St. Simons Island.  After five hours of naval action, the Patriots captured the British ships.  That victory gives Georgians a special reason to recognize Patriots Day on April 19th.  Frederica Flyer.

The Marshes of Glynn Chapter GASSAR hosted a reception on Friday night.  The events on Saturday began with Living Historians giving presentations outside the Casino at Neptune Park.  Lyman Hall Chapter VP Ed Rigel, Sr. drilled new recruits and taught them how to "Present Arms".  He also participated with the GASSAR Color Guard in the parade through the St. Simons Village.  That afternoon, there was a very well attended ceremony in the Casino Courtyard commemorating Patriots Day and the Frederica Naval Action.  Compatriot Rigel participated with the Color Guard, presented a wreath on behalf of Lyman Hall Chapter and took part in the Musket Salute.  A Colonial Worship service was held Sunday morning and Compatriot Rigel was honored to have been asked to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

This site is on Georgia's Revolutionary War Trail!   

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GASSAR Annual Meeting
April 2nd and 3rd, 2010, Duluth, Gwinnett County, Georgia.

Several Lyman Hall Chapter members attended and participated in the 2010 GASSAR Annual Conference.  Roscoe McMillan, Ed Rigel, Sr. and Ed Rigel, Jr. were a part of the GASSAR Color  Guard for the Opening Ceremony at the Friday night Individual Awards Banquet.  Ed Rigel, Jr. and Joan Rigel were recognized as new Georgia Fellows Fund members.  Ted Golab was presented the Robert E. Burt Boy Scout Volunteer Award.

At the GASSAR Annual Meeting on Saturday, Ed Rigel, Sr. was elected Recording Secretary and Northeast Region Vice President.  At the Chapter Awards presentations that afternoon, Lyman Hall Chapter was presented a flag streamer and certificate in recognition for earning the Distinguished Chapter award and for marking two graves was presented two stars to be applied to the Chapter's Grave Marking streamer. 

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March Lyman Hall Chapter Meeting
March 25th, 2010, Gainesville, Georgia.

The March Lyman Hall Chapter meeting was well attended.  The newly formed Chapter Color Guard presented and retired the colors.  Ronnie Huff was inducted as the newest Chapter Compatriot.  Eddie Jackson was recognized for his long term service as Chapter Eagle Scout Chair with the presentation of the Meritorious Service Award by National Eagle Scout Chair Charlie Newcomer.  Sam Bishop was named the winner of the Chapter Rumbaugh Oration Contest and John Dzimianski as winner of the Knight Essay Contest.  Chapter Compatriot Jim Parker, PhD presented the program - a talk and slide show on his visit last summer to New England to visit historical sites and to conduct additional family research. 

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Observance of the 229th Anniversary of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse
March 13th, 2010, Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, Guilford County, NC.

On March 15, 1781. the largest, most hotly-contested battle of the Revolutionary War's Southern Campaign was fought at the small North Carolina backcountry hamlet of Guilford Courthouse. Major General Nathanael Greene, defending the ground at Guilford Courthouse with an army of almost 4,500 American militia and Continentals, was tactically defeated by a smaller British army of about 1,900 veteran regulars and German allies commanded by Lord Charles Cornwallis. But Cornwallis's frail victory was won at the cost of over 25% of his army. Weakened in his campaign against Greene, Cornwallis abandoned the Carolinas hoping for success in Virginia. At Yorktown, seven months after his victory at Guilford Courthouse, Lord Cornwallis would surrender to the combined American and French forces under General George Washington. 

Lyman Hall Compatriots Roscoe McMillan, Ed Rigel, Sr. and Hall Martin attended the event.  Roscoe and Ed served with the Combined Color Guards.  Roscoe gave the Invocation and the Benediction.  Ed presented a wreath on behalf of Lyman Hall Chapter.

Learn more about the Battle of Guilford Courthouse.

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Patriots Park Dedication
March 7th, 2010, Watkinsville, Oconee County, Georgia.

The Reverend John Andrew Chapter NSDAR raised the funds to create Patriot Park in Watkinsville.  The park is a memorial greenspace honoring the heroic efforts of Revolutionary War Patriots buried in Oconee County.  The Keynote Speaker was Brigadier General Maria Britt, Commanding General, Georgia Army National Guard.

Lyman Hall Compatriot Ed Rigel, Sr. served with the GASSAR Color Guard and Col. Elijah Clarke Militia, presented a wreath on behalf of Lyman Hall Chapter and took part in the Musket Salute. 

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NSSAR Spring Leadership/Trustee Meeting
March 5th-6th, 2010, Louisville, KY.  

Lyman Hall Vice President Ed Rigel, Sr. attended the NSSAR Spring Leadership/Trustee Meeting.  On Friday morning, he assisted in the judging of the National Eagle Scout Scholarship contest.  In the afternoon he served as Recording Secretary for the Eagle Scout Committee meeting and then participated in the meeting of the SAR members who will be attending the Boy Scouts of America National Jamboree to man a booth supporting the SAR. That evening, he participated with the Combined Color Guards with the presentation of Colors at that night's banquet.  On Saturday morning he was recognized for his contribution to the Center for Advancing America's Heritage.

Lyman Hall Vice President Ed Rigel, Sr. (far right) with the other members of the GASSAR Color Guard in attendance at the Spring Leadership Meeting.

231st Anniversary of the Battle of Brier Creek
February 27th, 2010, Sylvania, Screven County, Georgia.

The Battle of Brier Creek was fought on March 3, 1779 near the confluence of Brier Creek with the Savannah River. While they significantly outnumbered the British, the Patriot Militias were poorly prepared for battle.  Distribution of ammunition to the men was complicated by the shortage of cartouche boxes and varying musket calibers, and unlike the British did not have bayonets.  When the British were ordered to fix bayonets and charge the militia broke and ran without even firing a shot.  Col. Samuel Elbert's Continentals valiantly held formation in the center while the militia around them fled for the swamps, but  were eventually surrounded and forced to surrender.  The Patriots lost about 400 killed, wounded or captured and the British less than 30. Fought only a few weeks after a resounding Patriot victory at Kettle Creek, the devastating defeat reversed the morale effects of the earlier battle.  The Royal Governorship was restored to Georgia making Georgia the only Colony to be restored to Royal rule during the Revolution.  Brier Creek Flyer.

Lyman Hall Compatriot Ed Rigel, Sr. served with the GASSAR Color Guard and presented a wreath on behalf of Lyman Hall Chapter at the ceremony.

This site is on Georgia's Revolutionary War Trail!  

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Washington Birthday Celebration
February 22nd, 2010,  Gainesville, Hall County, Georgia.

In the late 1990's, Lyman Hall Chapter raised the funds to erect a monument to George Washington in Gainesville.  Every year since, a celebration of the First Presidents Birthday has been held.

This year about 40 people attended the ceremony and joining eight Lyman Hall members were Gainesville Mayor Ruth Bruner and two City Council members, State Representative and Lyman Hall member Tommy Benton, Hall County Sheriff Steve Cronic and his top two Deputies, members of the City Police Department, NSDAR members including Col. Wm. Candler Chapter Regent, Marcie Fletcher, and State Treasurer Bea Fischer.  We were especially honored to have 12 members of the Award Winning GASSAR Color Guard to present the Colors.  We had SAR members from McDonough, Athens, and Gwinnett, Cherokee and Elbert Counties in attendance.  Two prospective SAR members were also in attendance, one who participated with the Color Guard.  Lyman Hall Past President Hall Martin, Sr. presented a wreath on behalf of the Chapter and those in attendance.

Following the ceremony 23 gathered at a local tavern for a toast to President Washington and half those stayed for supper.  It was a great afternoon and evening of fellowship!

 

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Heroes of the Hornet's Nest Ceremony
February 14th, 2010,  Elijah Clark State Park, Lincoln County, Georgia.

 The Georgia Backcountry was called "the Hornet's Nest" because of the stinging attacks by the Patriots.  In the park are buried Col. Elijah Clarke and his wife, and presumably Col. John Dooly.  Dooly established his homestead at the location of Dooly Springs, where after the Battle of Kettle Creek, murdered him in his home.  These heroes were honored at Clarke monuments.  Dr. Christine Swager gave a talk honoring those members of the Georgia Militia whose graves sites are unknown.  Hornet's Nest Flyer.

Lyman Hall Compatriot Ed Rigel, Sr. served with the GASSAR Color Guard and Col. Elijah Clarke Militia, presented a wreath on behalf of Lyman Hall Chapter and took part in the Musket Salute. 

This site is on Georgia's Revolutionary War Trail!  

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Kettle Creek Weekend
February 12th-14th, 2010, Washington, Wilkes County, Georgia.

After the capture of Savannah on December 29, 1778, British Brigadier General Augustine Prevost sent Archibald Campbell on an expedition to take control of Augusta and raise Loyalist militia companies.  An expedition by James Boyd recruited several hundred men.  As Boyd traveled south back toward Augusta, his men plundered and pillaged along the way, predictably drawing angered Patriot supporters to take up arms.  South Carolina militia colonel Andrew Pickens raised 350 men and headed toward Augusta to intercept Boyd before could reach the Savannah.  On February 14, Pickens caught up with Boyd when he was encamped near Kettle Creek.  Pickens advanced, leading the center, while his left flank was under the command of Elijah Clarke and the right was under John Dooly.  Boyd was mortally wounded and the Loyalists disorganized retreat rapidly became a rout.

The Battle of Kettle Creek was one of the most important battles of the American Revolutionary War to be fought in Georgia.  The battle clearly demonstrated the limits of British power, and its ability to protect Loyalists outside their immediate protection.  The success of Kettle Creek was undone by the later British victory at the Battle of Brier Creek.  Kettle Creek Flyer.

The City of Washington, SAR and DAR sponsor a weekend long event that includes a reception on Friday evening, a parade, Living History activities and a reenactment of the battle on Saturday and a Colonial Worship Service on Sunday.  This year, 4 inches of snow on Friday night kept attendance down but did little to dampen the enthusiasm of those who did attend.  Lyman Hall Compatriot Ed Rigel, Sr. served with the GASSAR Color Guard and Col. Elijah Clarke Militia in the parade, Living History and skirmish.

A Memorial Ceremony honoring the Patriots is held on Saturday afternoon.  Lyman Hall Compatriot Ed Rigel, Sr. presented a wreath on behalf of Lyman Hall Chapter.

Read the article that appeared in the Washington paper.

This site is on Georgia's Revolutionary War Trail!  

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Austin Dabney Grave Marking
January 30, 2010, Zebulon, Georgia.

This was the first Grave Marking of a Black Patriot to be held in Georgia.  Dabney fought in a number of skirmishes and eventually joined the company of Col. Elijah Clark who fought against Colonel Boyd at Kettle Creek.  During this battle, Dabney was wounded and severely crippled for the rest of his life.  Giles Harris, a white man who lived in the vicinity, took in the young soldier and they became fast friends.  Austin formed an even closer bond with Giles’ son, William Harris beside whom he is buried.  Joe Dooley, Genealogist General of the National Society of the SAR delivered the Keynote address.   Lyman Hall Compatriots Roscoe McMillan and Ed Rigel, Sr. attended this event held on a cold and dreary day and participated with the Color Guard.  Compatriot Rigel presented a wreath on behalf of the Chapter.

Learn more about Austin Dabney.

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January Lyman Hall Chapter Meeting
January 28th 2010, Gainesville, Georgia.

Lyman Hall Chapter had good attendance for its January meeting.  The guest speaker was Compatriot Bob Sapp, Piedmont Chapter GASSAR, who spoke on "The Battle of Kettle Creek and Beyond".  This excellent presentation was most appropriate given that the Kettle Creek Weekend would be in two weeks.  The latest Lyman Hall Fellows were recognized.

 

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229th Anniversary of the Battle of Cowpens 
January 16th 2010, Cowpens National Battlefield, Chesnee, South Carolina.

In October, 1780, George Washington chose Nathanael Greene to be commander of the Southern Department of the Continental forces. Greene had decided that his weak army was unable to meet the British in a standup fight and made the unconventional decision to divide his army, sending a detachment under General Daniel Morgan to raise the morale of the locals and find supplies. Morgan had 600 men, some 400 of which were Continentals, the rest being Virginia militia with experience as Continentals and was later joined by other militia from Georgia and the Carolinas.  Morgan's force represented a threat to Cornwallis’ left so Cornwallis ordered Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton west to defeat Morgan.  On January 16th, Morgan arrived at a location known as the Cowpens and decided to stand and fight.  The battle took place on the morning of January 17, 1781 and lasted about an hour. Morgan's tactical decisions and personal leadership allowed his force to give the British a “devil of a whipping” and to win one of the most complete victories of the war.  

Learn more about the Battle of Cowpens.

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General Daniel Morgan Memorial Service
January 16th 2010, Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Brigadier General Daniel Morgan was one of the most gifted battlefield tacticians of the American Revolutionary War.   Morgan is best known for his command of American troops at the Battle of Cowpens.   In 1881 a statue of Morgan was placed in the center of Spartanburg, SC; the location is now called Morgan Square.  Each year, on the weekend of the Battle of Cowpens Commemoration, SAR and NSDAR members honor General Morgan with a Memorial Service at the statue.  

Learn more about General Daniel Morgan.

Lyman Hall Compatriots Roscoe McMillan and Ed Rigel, Sr. participated with the Combined Color Guard.  Compatriot Rigel presented a rose on behalf of Lyman Hall Chapter.

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GASSAR Color Guard Awards Luncheon
January 9th 2010, Gwinnett County, Georgia.

Lyman Hall Compatriots Roscoe McMillan, Ed Rigel, Sr. and Ed Rigel, Jr. attended the first Annual Georgia Society SAR Color Guard Awards Luncheon.    Ed Rigel, Jr. officially became a member of the Color Guard by participating in his first event.  Ed Rigel, Sr. was presented the Color Guard Rookie of the Year Award.  Piedmont Chapter Compatriot Jack Ferguson was recognized for having participated in over 1000 Color Guard events.  Various other awards and medals were presented.

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